If you are craving something comforting with a lively kick, this Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a vibrant, savory bowl packed with tender dumplings, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach swimming in a spicy yet balanced broth. The Instant Pot makes the process quick and fuss-free, so you can enjoy a delightful homemade soup without hours of simmering. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly day or just want an exciting soup to share, this recipe never fails to impress with its bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup Recipe keeps things simple yet flavorful by combining ingredients that each add a unique element to the dish. From spicy chili oil to tender wontons, every component plays a crucial role in the overall taste, texture, and color that makes this soup irresistible.
- Chili oil (1/2 cup, divided): Adds a spicy, fragrant heat that forms the soup’s signature kick.
- Mushrooms (5-10 ounces): Bring an earthy umami depth and a pleasing texture when sautéed.
- Ginger (1 tablespoon, minced or crushed): Offers a warming, aromatic brightness balancing the spice.
- Rice vinegar (1/4 cup): Provides a subtle tang that lifts all the flavors in the broth.
- Broth (6 cups): The base liquid that carries the rich, spicy, and savory notes.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Delivers saltiness and deep savory flavor.
- White pepper (1 teaspoon, optional): Enhances the spice with a gentle peppery warmth.
- Bamboo shoots (1 16-ounce can, drained, optional): Add a crunchy, fresh contrast to softer ingredients.
- Wontons (1 to 1 1/2 pounds): The star dumplings filled with meat or veggies that soak up the broth beautifully.
- Spinach (8-10 ounces): Brings a fresh, vibrant green color and tender, leafy texture.
- Cornstarch slurry (3 tablespoons cornstarch + 3 tablespoons cold water): Optional thickener that gives the soup broth a luscious consistency.
- Soy sauce (1/3 cup): Used again for seasoning layers of umami, enhancing depth.
- Sesame oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a nutty, aromatic finish that complements the chili oil.
- Green onions (2 tablespoons, sliced and divided): For a crisp, mild onion flavor and garnish.
- Black and regular sesame seeds (2 tablespoons, split): For crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Mushrooms and Ginger
Start by heating 1/4 cup of the chili oil in your Instant Pot using the sauté mode. Once hot, toss in the mushrooms and minced ginger. Let them cook for about three minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and develop a fragrant, slightly caramelized aroma. This step is essential because it builds a rich, umami base that complements the spicy broth later on.
Step 2: Deglaze and Add Broth
Pour the rice vinegar into the pot to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This adds layers of flavor and prevents burning. Next, add the broth, soy sauce, and white pepper to the pot. These ingredients combine to create a wonderfully balancing broth that carries the rest of the soup’s deliciousness.
Step 3: Add Bamboo Shoots and Wontons
Stir in the bamboo shoots for crunch and immediately add the wontons, gently nesting them in the broth so they don’t stick together. The wontons are the heart of this Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup Recipe, bringing a tender and juicy texture that finishes off the hearty feel of the dish.
Step 4: Pressure Cook and Quick Release
Now top everything with the fresh spinach and seal the Instant Pot. Pressure cook on high for just one minute — yes, one! The quick cooking ensures the wontons are perfectly tender without overcooking the spinach. Once done, perform a quick release to keep those vibrant greens fresh and bright.
How to Serve Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup Recipe
Garnishes
After ladling the soup into bowls, sprinkle sliced green onions and a mix of black and regular sesame seeds on top. These garnishes add a lovely crunch and bright, fresh bite that contrast beautifully with the spicy broth and tender wontons.
Side Dishes
This soup shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or steamed jasmine rice. Both sides help mellow the heat and provide additional comfort. If you want to step it up, some crispy spring rolls or a simple cucumber salad make excellent companions that are light and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual mini bowls or wide ramekins to highlight the beautiful colors. Adding a drizzle of extra chili oil on top or a squeeze of fresh lime juice can elevate the flavors uniquely every time, making it feel like a restaurant experience right at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, so leftovers often taste even better the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the soup in heavy-duty freezer bags or containers. Note that dumplings may change texture slightly after freezing, so it’s best to freeze without spinach and add fresh greens when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add fresh spinach right before serving to maintain that vibrant color and nutrition. A quick splash of soy sauce or chili oil can refresh the flavors as well.
FAQs
Can I use frozen dumplings for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen dumplings work perfectly and can be cooked straight from frozen in the Instant Pot with no need to thaw. Just keep the pressure cooking time the same, and enjoy the convenience.
How spicy is this soup? Can I adjust the heat?
This Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup Recipe has a pleasant medium heat, thanks to the chili oil. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding less chili oil or including more if you like it fiery. It’s all about your personal preference!
What type of broth should I use?
Chicken broth is ideal for its rich flavor, but vegetable broth works great for vegetarians or those seeking a lighter option. Just pick a good-quality broth for the best taste.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Use vegetable broth and choose dumplings filled with vegetables or tofu. Skip the optional bamboo shoots if you want an even simpler vegetarian soup—it still bursts with flavor.
Is it possible to prepare the dumplings from scratch?
Definitely! Making your own dumplings can add a personal touch. Use your favorite filling recipe and fold the dumplings ahead of time. Just remember to adjust cooking time slightly if your dumplings are larger or thicker.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup Recipe. It’s speedy, packed with bold flavors, and full of comforting textures that please the whole family or impress guests. Once you try it, I’m sure this will become a staple whenever you crave something spicy and soul-satisfying. So gather your ingredients, fire up the Instant Pot, and dive into a bowl of cozy, spicy deliciousness today!
Print
Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup is a quick and flavorful meal combining savory wontons, tender mushrooms, and fresh spinach in a spicy broth. Perfectly balanced with chili oil, rice vinegar, and soy sauce, it delivers a warm and comforting dish that can be prepared in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1/4 cup chili oil
- 1 tablespoon minced or crushed ginger
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 6 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon white pepper (optional)
- 1 (16-ounce) can bamboo shoots, drained (optional)
Wontons and Add-ins
- 1 – 1 1/2 pounds fresh or frozen wontons
- 8–10 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup spinach, sliced and divided
Thickening Mixture
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
Garnishes and Seasonings
- 1/3 cup sliced green onions
- 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons regular sesame seeds
- Additional chili oil for topping (about 1/4 cup, divided)
Instructions
- Sauté Mushrooms and Ginger: Add 1/4 cup of the chili oil to the Instant Pot and heat it up. Add the sliced mushrooms and minced or crushed ginger. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the mushrooms soften and the ginger is fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the rice vinegar to deglaze the bottom of the pot, scraping up any browned bits to incorporate into the flavor base.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the broth, soy sauce, and white pepper if using. Stir in the drained bamboo shoots and add the wontons on top. Finally, layer the sliced spinach over the wontons.
- Pressure Cook the Soup: Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to pressure cook on high for 1 minute. Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release to safely release the steam.
- Thicken the Broth: Mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the hot soup to thicken the broth slightly, and allow it to cook with the residual heat for a few minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in half of the sliced green onions and sesame seeds into the soup. Ladle into bowls and garnish with the remaining green onions, black and regular sesame seeds. Drizzle additional chili oil as desired for extra heat.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen wontons according to availability; fresh ones will soften quickly in the pressure cooker.
- Adjust the amount of chili oil depending on your preferred spice level.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium broth and soy sauce.
- Optional ingredients like bamboo shoots add texture but can be omitted if unavailable.
